TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

17.04.2010
Latvia v Sweden in Riga (ENC 2B)
Netherlands v Malta in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
Singapore v Sri Lanka in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; Final)
Malaysia v China Taipei in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; 3rd-4th)
Switzerland v Lithuania in Basel (ENC 3A)
Israel v Greece in Netanya (ENC 3C)

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Asia Nations Division 1 Result

14.04.2010
Sri Lanka 37, China Taipei 7 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; Semi-final 1)
Singapore 22, Malaysia 20 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; Semi-final 1)

Reviews
'The Singaporeans had a tough outing in the second semi finals against a spirited Malaysian side. They however won the game by a narrow two points margin, winning it 22-20. The Sing’s team is made up of a lot of British expats and similarly the Malaysians were made up of Fijian expats. The final battle for the Lankans will be a tough one considering the fact they possess a lot of heavy forwards. But the Sri Lankan team did a splendid job against a mobile set of forwards of Taipei and more often than not won the ball during the breakdowns'.

http://thepapare.com/rugby/rucking-around/live-text-commentary-of-the-asian-quadrangular-rugby-final-sri-lanka-vs-singapore.html

Sri Lankan flyhalf Fazil Marja suffered a broken ankle in the game against China Taipei

The final on Saturday will see Sri Lanka face Singapore, whilst China Taipei will play Malaysia in the battle against relegation.

POLISH RUGBY COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

The Polish rugby community, along with the all Polish peoples around the world were shocked and saddened by the death of the President of Poland, Lech Kaczynski, in a plane crash over Russia. The President, along with all 132 people, many from the top level of Polish political and military ranks, died as the plane was about to land in Smolensk, Russia. The plane apparently hit trees whilst negotiating fog. The President, his wife and others were about to attend a memorial service to the thousands of Polish army officers executed in Russia soon after the 1940 Russian invasion of Poland.

Pictures from the National Rugby Stadium in Sochaczew where apparently many people had already gathered for the kick off of the Poland-Moldova international rugby test match

Photos from the stadium, thanks to http://www.rugby.info.pl/komentarze_24_artykul_2068_mecz_odwoany#comments

Picture one shows a ceremonial and memorial kick off as a mark of respect and the official cancelling of the rugby test match.

rugby-international.blogspot and the brother website rugbyinternational.net wish to extend thoughts to the Polish community in Poland and around the world.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 10 April

10.04.2010
Czech Republic 27, Ukraine 16 in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Poland v Moldova in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)-postponed-death of Polish President
Armenia 20, Serbia 19, in Abovian (ENC 3A)
Israel 50, Bulgaria 10, in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
The world rugby community were saddened to hear that just prior to the test match in Sochaczew news reached the stadium that the Polish president was killed in a plane crash over Russia. The Poland v Moldova match was postponed and will be rescheduled.

The 2A ENC competition proved just how close the teams are. Last week Belgium upset Czech Republic. This week it was the Czechs' turn to upset. This time competition leaders Ukraine were upset 27-16.

Armenia struggled to overcome a tough Serbia outfit by a single point whilst Israel won easily, a little surprisingly, 50-10 over Bulgaria. Israel are now firm favourites to glide into ENC 3B for 2010-12.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Battle For A Place in the Rugby World Cup Continues

10.04.2010
Ukraine v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadium Josef Kohout, Říčany

Referee: Raduta (Romania)

Image thanks to http://www.rugbyunion.cz/me-divize-2a-tesna-prohra-s-belgii

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	6	5	0	1	106	53	53	16
BELGIUM	7	3	1	3	79	89	-10	14
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
CZECH REPUBLIC	7	2	1	4	109	126	-17	12
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Preview
The Czechs would have been very disappointed with their loss to Belgium last weekend. That was a match both teams needed to win. The win went to Belgium and emphasised the closeness of the competition at this level. There is the possibility of a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals at stake. The winner of this division will playoff against Lithuania to see who will play Romania, winner of ENC 1.

This division will increase it's number to six for the 1010-12 competition, which means Germany, being relegated from ENC 1 will join this group, last place stays put, whilst the 6th side will be promoted from ENC 2B.

A number of Czech France-based players have returned for this game. Especially important is the inclusion of one of the Czechs best players Robert Noves. These are experienced players and their absence was felt last weekend. The team this week has a solid look about it. They face a Ukrainian outfit poised ready to win this division.

The Ukrainians are well out in front on the table above. Belgium looks like the only team who can get near. A loss today will mean the Ukraine's return match against Moldova will be a crucial win. A win today will leave the issue no longer in doubt. The Ukraine will win this division.


Czech Republic lost 16-19 to Belgium last weekend. Image thanks to http://www.rugbyunion.cz/me-divize-2a-tesna-prohra-s-belgii

Last Five Encounters
21.03.2009 Ukraine 20-10 in Odessa (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
05.11.2005 Czech Republic 46-8 in Odessa (ENC 1)
12.03.2005 Czech Republic 42-5 in Prague (ENC 1)
03.11.2001 Czech Republic 26-8 in Prague (WCQ/FIRA Europe R2, Pool A)
14.10.2000 Czech Republic 35-3 in Prague (FIRA B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Ukraine 13th, Czech Republic 15th

Prediction: Ukraine by 7 points

Teams

Czech Republic Squad
Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
Josef Bláha (RC Říčany)
Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha)
Tomáš Heller (RC Slavia Praha)
Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
Martin Jágr (Union Bordeaux-Begles, France)
Michal Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
Milan Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
Václav Jursík (RC Strasbourg, France)
Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
Petr Okleštěk (RC Auxerre, France)
Karel Opravil (RC Brno Bystrc)
Vachtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
Michal Průša (Bellegrade, France)
Jan Rohlík (RC Říčany)
Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
Irakli Sulamanidze (RC Sparta Praha)
Roman Šuster (FC Auch, France) prop
Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
Robert Voves (RC Narbonne, France)
Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

http://www.ragby.cz/cesky-narodni-tym-c ... -ukrajinou

Ukraine Squad
Evigney Chaika (RC Kredo 63)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadim Kolyshkin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RK Sokol)
S. Monastyrev(RC Aviator)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andrei Melnikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Myshynev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadym Mysyk (Olimp-Electronmash, Tiraspol)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Polyansky (RC Kredo 63)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ruslan Radchuk (RC Kredo 63)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Nazar Zozulya (Obolon-University)
HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

Adapted from http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=512 and http://rugby.biz.ua/index.php?newsid=2162

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY; World Cup in Europe

10.04.2010
Moldova v Poland in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: National Rugby Stadium

Referee: Patrick Beuriot (France)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	6	5	0	1	106	53	53	16
BELGIUM	7	3	1	3	79	89	-10	14
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
CZECH REPUBLIC	7	2	1	4	109	126	-17	12
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Preview
This is the second match in this vital level of World Cup qualifying games.

This is another level of European competition where all the teams are very level. Last weekend Belgium defeated the Czech Republic which opened this competition wide. The winner of this competition will face Lithuania, and then Romania, to reach the repecharge section of the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifications.

Although in 3rd place the Poles are in a good position as they have a game in hand over 2nd placed Belgium. Poland and Belgium are realistically the teams to challenge Ukraine. The Polish squad has been involved in a great deal of preparation for this part of the competition.

Firstly the team played against an invitation side in February to open the new National Rugby Stadium.They won 33-5. Then in March the team, many of whom play professionally in France, travelled to France for a training camp and two warm up games. On March 13 they played LOU Espoirs and lost 19-50, and then on March 16 they played Bourg-en-Bresse, losing 22-33. With this amount of preparation and playing in their new stadium, Poland look favoured to win.

The Moldovans will be without some of the Russian-based players as leading Russian club VVA-Podmoskovje is in England. This could well weaken the side. The Poles sneaked home 30-28 against the Moldovans in Chisinau during the first round.

Poland lost to Moldova four years ago 13-27. Image thanks to Krzysztof Lewandowski

February 19 Poland v Invitation XV 33-5 in Gydnia to open the new National Rugby Stadium.Image thanks to Michael Golomb

Previous Encounters
16.05.2009 Poland 30-28 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
08.04.2006 Moldova 27-13 in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R3A, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Moldova 14th, Poland 16th

Prediction: Poland by 7 points

Teams

Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Victor Arhip (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Baleca (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrian Baltag (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Alexandru Breazu (R.C. Ciorescu)
Alexandru Bulgac (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Ion Buşila (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia)
Nicolae Chirilă (Imperia Penza, Russia)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexei Cotruţă (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Ghenadi Evteev (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Alexandru Gagauz (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Mihai Gheorghieş (UTM Chişinău)
Ştefan Leca (USEFS Blumarine)
Veaceslav Lozinschi (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Oleg Perpeliţă (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Sîscan (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Titica (Krasny Yar, Russia)
Eduard Toderică (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Ravenco

Adapted from http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=169

Poland
15. Dawid Banaszek (Villeurbanne, France)
14. Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France)
13. Robert Kwiatkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
12. Wojciech Lukasiewicz (Orkan Sochaczew)
11. Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
10. David Poplawski (Albi, France)
9. Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France
8. Stanislas Krzesińska (Mazamet, France)
7. Kazimierz Raszpunda (Portsmouth RFC, England)
6. Mateusz Bartoszek (Albi, France)
5. Michael Krużycki (Lyon, France)
4. Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
3. Sławomir Kaszuba (?)
2. Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France)
1. Kamil Bobryk (Epernay, France)
Replacements
16. Martin Wilczuk (Portsmouth RFC, England)
17. Michał Królikowski (Budowlani Łódź)
18. Michał Mirosz (?)
19. Lukasz Doroszkiewicz (Lechia Gdansk)
20. Charles Hedesz (Lechia Gdansk)
21. Łukasz Żórawski (Budowlani Łódź)
22. Tomasz Stepien (Budowlani Łódź)
Head Coach: Thomas Putra

David Chartier (Bayonne, France) out injured

Adapted from http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Serbians Travel to Abovian

10.04.2010
Serbia v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 3A)

Venue:

Referee: Tomas Tuma (Czech Republic)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	173	50	148	18
SERBIA	6	3	0	3	73	133	-60	12
ARMENIA	7	3	0	3	132	110	23	12
ANDORRA	7	2	0	5	112	173	-61	11
SWITZERLAND	6	2	0	4	79	102	-23	10

In this level of competition it's a question of who will be relegated now that Lithuania are in a clear lead. All four other teams are in danger of relegation although Serbia is in least danger. Until today that is! It has been a topsy turvy right old battle between the four teams. There has been unexpected victories and unbelievable defeats. Both today's sides must win!

Serbia' situation does not look good for today's game. They are travelling with only twenty players and they face and Armenian team difficult to defeat at home and buoyed by their 26-17 win over Andorra last weekend.

It's going to be a right old ding dong encounter.

Previous Encounters
13.09.2008 Armenia 41-0 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
25.05.2008 Serbia 19-8 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)
10.05.2008 Armenia 25-0 in Yerevan (ENC 3A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Armenia 24th, Serbia 26th

Prediction: Armenia by 14 points.

Teams

Serbia Squad
Dalibor Antić (Kruševac)
Arsić (KBRK Belgrade) *
Uroš Babić (RK Pobednik Belgrade)
Bogdanović (Kruševac) *
V. Dejanović (RK Partizan) *
Vladimir Đukić (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Miloš Joksimović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Jovanovski (RK Partizan)
Marko Kapor (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Boris Martić (KBRK Belgrade)
Milos Milanko (Žarkovo)
Milan Orlović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Aleksandar Petrović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Branimir Petrović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Milan Rastovac (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Ivan Rodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Nemanja Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Nikola Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Branko Vojvodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Miladi Zivanov (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Head Coach: Žagar Kristijan

Dejan Tasić and Nenad Matejić of RK Partizan unable to travel at the last minute after selection.

* indicates players not previously on any of my lists-possibly new caps.

http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/

Armenia Squad not available

TEST RUGBY: Bulgarians Travel to Israel

10.04.2010
Bulgaria v Israel in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Venue: Wingate Institute

Referee: F.Himmer (Germany)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
GREECE	6	5	0	1	128	86	42	16
BULGARIA	6	4	0	2	134	97	37	14
ISRAEL	4	4	0	0	136	26	110	12
LUXEMBOURG	7	2	0	5	81	129	-48	11
FINLAND	7	0	0	7	73	224	-120	7

The outcome of this game is crucial to this competition. Israel are the only side undefeated. They have a dream run as they will play their remaining games in a trot rather than the usual broken season. They also play this game at home, an advantage. They have a new, young captain in 24 year old Kaplan. He has wide experience playing in Sydney as well now in England.

Israel rode a high last May when they pushed their way to an unprecedented position in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying stage. Having led their pool at the half way stage they won the right to play Slovenia, the winner of the division above them.To the astonishment of the rugby world they won. Next came Lithuania. 23 May 2008 was a grand day in Israeli rugby history. They hosted Lithuania, two divisions above them, to see who would proceed to the next stage. In fron of a record home crowd they lost bravely 3-19 to a team who were themselves to go on to defeat the Netherlands 6-3. It was a grand day indeed. Will Israel be able to match the standards they set that month? A huge crowd will surely turn out to see if the magic can continue.

Bulgaria are in a tight spot. Another loss would almost certainly rule them out of promotion prospects. They bring an experienced bunch who will test the home side fully. They are led by 40 year old Antonia Ivanov.

Previous Encounters
15.11.2008 Israel 11-8 in Pernik (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3C)
08.06.2003 Bulgaria 25-23 in Ibisa, Spain (ENC 3C, Final)
21.05.2000 Israel 37-16 in Herzilya (FIRA D2)
24.04.1999 Israel 11-10 in Sofia (FIRA D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table- Israel 28th, Bulgaria 35th

Prediction: Israel by 10 points.

Teams

Bulgaria Squad
Danail Andreev (RC National Sports Academy) Front row, born 1983, age 26
Krasimir Angelov (Valyatsite RC, Pernik) Flanker, born 1982, age 29
Asen Asenov (RC National Sports Academy) Flanker, born 1978, age 31
Brice Benelli (Lokomotiv RC) Lock, born 1985, age 24
Vasil Borisov (Valyatsite RC, Pernik) Fly half, born 1990, age 19
Radoslav Damyanov (Varna RC) Fly half born 1985, age 24
Yavor Dragnev (Varna RC) Lock, born 1977, age 32
Hristo Georgiev (Lokomotiv RC) Lock, born 1988, age 21
Simeon Georgiev (Valyatsite RC, Pernik) Hooker, born 1985, age 24
Plamen Iliev (Lokomotiv RC) Front row, born 1972, age 37
Antonio Ivanov (Varna RC) Number eight, born1969, age 40
Ivaylo Ivanov (RC National Sports Academy) Wing, born 1987, age 22
Ivo Lazov (Lokomotiv RC) Scrum half, born 1988, age 21
Petar Nikolov (RC National Sports Academy) Wing, born 1990, age 19
Svetoslav Odadzhiyski (RC National S.A.) Fullback, born 1984, age 25
Roman Para (RC National Sports Academy) Front row, born 1982, age 27
Vladislav Parizov (Lokomotiv RC) Hooker, born 1980, age 29
Daniel Simeonov (Valyatsite RC, Pernik) Centre, born 1983, age 26
Tihomir Simeonov (Lokomotiv RC) Front row, born 1974, age 35
Georgi Sotirov (Valyatsite RC, Pernik) Scrum half, born 1972, age 37
Martin Stoyanov (Varna RC) Centre, born 1989, age 20
Lyudmil Zlatkov (Valyatsite RC, Pernik) Wing, born1988, age 21

Staff
Head Coach: Lyudmil Stankov
Doctor: Vladimir Videnov
Referee: Dimitar Petrov
Coach and DTN: Dariel Yanev
Manager: Tzvetan Bouzovsky

Special thanks to Dariel Yanev, Bulgaria RFU

Israel Squad
Nessi Abarbanel (Raanana) born 1987, age 22
Oren Alt (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1971, age 38
Roi Alterlevi (Kibbutz Yizreel) born 1982, age 27
Nathan Amos (Rainey OBRFC, Northern Ireland) born 1978, age 31
Amir Beautler (Kibbutz Yizreel) born 1982, age 27
Oren Brodhurst (Kibbutz Yizreel) born 1984, age 25
Matan Brosh (Barnes RFC, England) born 1981, age 28
Michael Eli (Ashkelon RC) born 1989, age 20
Gilad Goldstein (Raanana) born 1985, age 24
Stav Gurtovoy, V.Capt.(ASATel Aviv) born 1981, age 28
Oz Hayman (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1985, age 24
Amit Kakoun (Kibbutz Yizreel) born 1990, age 19
Nimrod Kaplan, Capt. (London Scottish, England) born 1985, age 24
Omri Lotan (ASA Tel Aviv) born1984, age 25
Julien Maffi (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1982, age 27
Guy Matisis (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1987, age 22
Omer Halfi Mendelson (Raanana) born 1985, age 24
Alon Okon (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1985, age 24
Mordechai Radashkovich (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1984, age 25
Yonatan Radashkovich (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1988, age 21
Adrienne Rainstein (Haifa Technion) born 1989, age 20
Yonatan Shaki (Haifa Technion) born 1983, age 26
Miron Shtiglitz (ASA Tel Aviv) born 1977, age 32
Head Coach: Raanan Penn

Special thanks to Julian Shapiro, Israel RU, and to Matan Brosh.

RUGBY TEST RESULT: A close Game in Tunis

09.04.2010
Tunisia 25, Arabian Gulf 22 in Tunis (Friendly)

Review
The Arabian Gulf turned out to be far more competitive than I thought. I would still need to see the Tunisian line up before I grade the result. The report below says that the Gulf forwards gained the upper hand which surprised me but errors and penalties cost them the game. The Gulf side may well be very competitive against Hong Kong and perhaps Kazakhstan and Korea as well.

Review here at http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=217

RUGBY TEST: Tunisia and The Gulf Warm Up

09.04.2010
Tunisia v Arabian Gulf in Tunis (Test Friendly)

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
Both these teams are preparing for important rugby matches. Tunisia will play either Romania/Ukraine/Lithuania for a chance to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup through the repecharge door. The Arabian Gulf will play in the Asia 5 Nations competition, the Elite level of rugby in Asia. The Asia 5 Nations will produce a winner directly to the Rugby World Cup Finals, and a No.2 team that will qualify for a repecharge round against Uruguay later in the year.

Very little information can be gathered about the Tunisians. I'd expect the side to contain a number of players from France-based clubs.

The Arabian Gulf team is in a difficult situation. Firstly, the team will soon, as far as I'm aware, disperse as the IRB is working towards forming the parts of what has been the Gulf side for many years into separate rugby unions with their own national identity. This year looks like being the last for this Middle East rugby union unless it can win its way into the Rugby World Cup finals. The only possibility is to gain the 2nd spot as Japan look hot favourites to take the No.1 place. But life will be even more difficult for the AG team as no fewer than eleven players are new to international rugby. Tough times ahead indeed.

This match will give the rugby world some idea of the strength of these teams.

These two teams have met once before. Tunisia won 12-11 in Bahrain back in 1997. Tunisia played two games against Hong Kong in 2008. They lost 12-25 in Hong Kong, but won 29-9 in the return match in Tunis a week later. In 2008 Arabian Gulf played their first season in the elite level of Asian rugby and lost 12-20 to Hong Kong in Al Ain. This match is to be played in Tunis where I feel the Gulf side will find the local side just too rich.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Neither side is in the world table as neither has played a cross continental test match in the last year. At present Tunisia holds 3rd place on the African table, whilst the Arabian Gulf holds 6th place on the Asia table.

Prediction: I expect the Tunisians to have too much grunt up front and speed in the backs for the visitors. Tunisia by 40 points.

Teams

Arabian Gulf
15 James Love (Hartpury College, England)
14 Ross Stapleton (Bahrain RFC)
13 Trent Eastgate (Dubai Dragons)
12 Taif Al Delamie (Lansdowne FC, Ireland)
11 Rama Chand (TOA Dubai)
10 Duncan Murray (Dubai Hurricanes)
9 Jonathan MacDonald (Cardiff University, Wales)
8 David Clark (Dubai Exiles)
7 Edward LePine-Williams (Dubai Dragons)
6 Karl Sutcliffe (Bahrain RFC)
5 Steven Little (Dubai Dragons)
4 Michael Cox-Hill, Capt. (Dubai Exiles)
3 Nicholas Croker (Doha RFC)
2 Daniel Heal (Dubai Dragons)
1 Michael Riley (Dubai Exiles)
Replacements
16 Rory Power (Bahrain RFC)
17 Craig Jones (Dubai Exiles)
18 Jason Voyce (Muscat RFC)
19 Byron Kraemer (Dubai Dragons)
20 David Clouston (Dubai Hurricanes)
21 Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)
22 Paul Beard (Dubai Exiles)
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

11 new caps!

Last minute changes (thanks to 'quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3417)
"There are two last minute changed from the original 22 man squad named, Stuart Quinn ( Dubai Exiles ) will replace Ross Stapleton and Steve Smith ( Dubai Hurricanes )travel instead of Rama Chand due to last minute injuries. Both replacements are uncapped."

http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=215

Tunisian team details not available.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

09.04.2010
Tunisia v Arabian Gulf in Dubai (Friendly)

10.04.2010
Czech Republic v Ukraine in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Poland v Moldova in Poland (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Serbia v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 3A)
Bulgaria v Israel in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
Tunisia travels to the Middle East as part of their World Cup qualifying bid. They face Romania in June as part of the repechage phase og qualifying. Arabian Gulf will use the game to prepare for its clashes in the Asia5Nations competition and hopefully a place in the World Cup finals.

The race to find the winner of ENC 2A resumes this Saturday. Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova and Poland play matches with the Ukraine sitting as hot favourite. The winner of ENC 2A will play Lithuania in May to find the other repecharge qualifier.

Serbia travels to Armenia where the local team defeated Andorra last weekend to pull itself further away from relegation. Serbia needs to win as four teams in this division battle to prevent relegation.

Bulgaria travels to Israel to face the home side who are yet to be defeated in this division. Israel are looking as favourites to be promoted to Division 3B for 2010-12.

TEST RUGBY: First Asian Rugby Tournament Begins

This weekend sees the first 2010 Asia rugby tournament begin. This is the Asia Nations Division 1, to be held in Singapore.

Division 1 is one tier below the elite Asia5Nations. The teams are hosts Singapore, China Taipei, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The winner is promoted to the elite level, whilst last place heads down to Division 2.

The Draw

Semi Finals (Correction-R1 on Wednesday 14th, not the 10th)
14 April
China Taipei v Sri Lanka (SF 1)
Singapore v Malaysia (SF 2)

Finals Day
17 April
Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2 (Final)
Loser SF 1 v Loser SF 2 (Playoff 3rd-4th)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 3 April

03.04.2010
Belgium 19, Czech Republic 16 in Prague (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Andorra v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 3A)-result to come

04.04.2010
Sweden v Denmark in Copenhagen (Friendly-Test status uncertain)

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Rugby World Cup Qualifying

03.04.2010
Belgium v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadium RC Slavia Praha

Referee: Reineke (Germany)

Preview
Both these teams will have to win their remaining matches and hope that the top team in the competition, Ukraine, stumbles in all of their remaining games. At the moment the Ukraine are hot favourites to take the top spot and then await the challenge from Lithuania to see who takes on the third team in ENC 1 for a repecharge place and then hopefully to the Rugby World Cup. Below is the ENC 2A table

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	6	5	0	1	106	53	53	16
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
BELGIUM	6	2	1	3	60	73	-13	11
CZECH REPUBLIC	6	2	1	3	93	107	-14	11
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Both teams have two different styles of play. Czech coach Martin Kafka will not be able to field his strongest side due to French club commitments for Roman Šuster , Lukas Rapant, Paul Stastny, Robert Voves and Miroslav Nemecek. He will rely on a strong backline and a forward pack that can at least hold their own.

Belgium will use their huge and experienced pack to grind down the Czechs and then allow their back to run.

Last Five Encounters
14.03.2009 Drawn 15-15 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 2A)
27.05.1995 Belgium 32-13 in Brussels (WCQ Qualifying)
22.11.1986 Belgium 18-15 in Vise (FIRA B2)
19.11.1985 Czechoslovakia 14-3 in Prague (FIRA B2)
27.11.1982 Czechoslovakia 21-6 in Brussels (FIRA C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Czech Republic 15th, Belgium 17th

Prediction: Czech Republic by 3 points

Teams

Czech Republic
15. Jan Rohlík (RC Říčany)
14. Martin Jágr (Union Bordeaux-Begles, France)
13. Václav Jursík (RC Strasbourg, France)
12. Petr Okleštěk (RC Auxerre, France)
11. Michal Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
10. Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
9. Vachtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
8 Josef. Bláha (RC Říčany)
7. Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
6. Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
5. Jan Kurka (C.A. Lormont, France)
4. Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
3. Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
2. Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
1. Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
Replacements
16. Vojtěch Mára (RC Tatra Smíchov)
17. Michal Průša (Bellegrade, France)
18. Pavel Hocke (RC Tatra Smíchov)
19. Karel Opravil (RC Brno Bystrc)
20. Milan Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
21. Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha)
22. Irakli Sulamanidze (RC Sparta Praha)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

Adapted from http://sport.idnes.cz/ceske-ragbisty-ceka-dulezity-zapas-s-belgii-fk8-/sporty.asp?c=A100402_161333_sporty_min and http://www.rugbyunion.cz/konecna-nominace-na-utkani-s-belgii

Belgium
15.Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
14.Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
13.Dirk Haghedooren (Agde)
11.Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)
10.Alan Williams (Castres, France)
9. Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8. Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
7. Mika Demolder (Boitsfort)
6. Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
5. Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
4. Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
3. Alain Miriallakis (St-Etienne, France)
2. Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
1. Christophe Debaty (Limoges, France)
Replacements
16.Julien Massimi (St-Etienne, France)
17.Norman Wende (St-Etienne, France)
18.Julien Hanchir (Millau, France)
19.Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
20.Andrew Neil (Tournefeuille, France)
21.Romain Orban (Kituro)
22.Romain Moortgat (Montpellier, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock

Adapted from http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=7119

For a complete list of all international rugby test matches played by both Belgium and the Czech Republic, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

FRIENDLY RUGBY TEST: Sweden v Denmark

03.04.2010
Sweden v Denmark in Copenhagen (Friendly)

Venue: RK Speed Stadium

Referee: ?

Preview
This now to become annual friendly gives these two rugby nations an opportunity to flex their muscles before they tackle their ENC Spring matches.

Sweden is in ENC 2B and is struggle near the bottom of the table. They spent early February at a training camp in Spain which culminated in a friendly non-test match against Catalonia, 14 February, which they won 21-17. Their important match will be on 17 April against Latvia away, who are just two points above them. Sweden's only other game is on 1 May when they play competition title contender Croatia at home.

Denmark plays in ENC 3B, two divisions below the Swedes. Along with three other teams, Hungary, Norway and Slovenia, the Danes are in contention for the title of that division and promotion to ENC 3A. Just two points off the two leading sides, their next competition game, against lowly Austria at home, will be a crucial game they must win. Following that game they have a tough game away against Slovenia on the 15th May.

Sweden has the historical advantage over the Danes by winning all the contests since 2001. This was at a time when both teams played in the same division until 2007 when Sweden were promoted and the Danes relegated. There is now a possibility that both teams could be in ENC 3A for 2010-12

Last Five Encounters
03.11.2007 Sweden 8-6 in Helsingborg (ENC 3A)
28.10.2006 Sweden 23-13 in Odense (ENC 3A)
05.11.2005 Sweden 16-14 in Helsingborg (ENC 3A)
27.10.2001 Denmark 33-21 in Copenhagen (ENC 2B)
31.10.1998 Denmark 19-9 in Copenhagen (FIRA A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Sweden 22nd, Denmark 29th

Prediction: The Swedes will be better prepared but have the away disadvantage. I expect them to win by 8 points.

Teams

Denmark Spring Squad
Søren Brobyskov (CSR/Nanok)
Bradley Diamandis (RK Speed)
Mathias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK)
Nicolas Engholm (CSR/Nanok)
Alfie Escabarte (CSR/Nanok)
Niels Gotfredsen (Aarhus RK)
Andy Grantham (Aarhus RK)
Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK)
Dodji Hanoou (RK Speed)
Gerard Hounou (RK Speed)
Stephen James Leitch (Aarhus RK)
Jesper Jensen (Lindø)
Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok)
Henrik Jacobsen (Aarhus RK)
Oliver Le Roux (Hamlet RC)
Peter Madsen (CSR/Nanok)
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg)
Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK)
Andy Nielsen (Aalborg)
Christian B.Nielsen (Holstebro)
Alex Østergaard (RK Speed)
Kasper Vad Pedersen (RK Speed)
Kristian Riberholdt )Holstebro)
Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK)
Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok)
Henry Stafford (Barnes RFC, England)
Dennis Stark (RK Speed)
Kristoffer Vandborg (Frederiksberg RK)
Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England)
Emad ? (CSR/Nanok)
Head Coach: Christopher Adby

Adapted from http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=100&Itemid=85

Sweden Squad
Thomas Ardvisson (Bordeaux, France)
Ivar Bengtsson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Tobias Borg (Enköping RK)
Andrew Daish (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Eric Faithful (Enköping RK)
Ian Gowland (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Matthias Thor Hard (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Linus Hector Vänersborg
Richard Jackson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Timothy Jackson (Enköping RK)
Magnus MacDonald (London Scottish, England)
Paul Mathews (Spartacus RUFC)
Robert Nave (Enköping RK)
Ricky Okpu (Enköping RK)
Richard Örnberg (Vänersborg RK)
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK)
Lee Sandberg (North Walsham RFC, England)
Alexander Taylor, Capt. (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Sebastian Taylor (Old Haberdashers RFC, England)
Jim Wetterström (Enköping RK)
Peter Wiklund (Vänersborg RK)
Matthew Youngman (Enköping RK)
Head Coach: Mike Tatu

Adapted from http://iof3.idrottonline.se/templates/NewsPage.aspx?id=15383

For a complete list of all rugby test matches played by these two teams go to www.rugbyinternational.net

TEST RUGBY: ENC 3A

03.04.2010
Andorra v Armenia in Abovyan (ENC 3A)

Venue: Abovyan City Stadium

Referee: Petrescu (Romania)

Preview
The battle to avoid relegation begins in the Armenian city of Abovian. Four out of the five teams are possible contenders for relegation to ENC 3B for 2010-12. Lithuania is way out on front and cannot be overtaken.

It's difficult to gauge the strength of these two teams as there is almost no current information on the internet. Andorra caused a major upset when these teams met in the first round. Andorra won by 36-10 against a team that had held the Lithuanians to a narrow loss only weeks earlier. This has been the only encounter between these two nations.

Recent tests by these two teams would indicate Andorra has an advantage. Andorra defeated Serbia 21-7 in November whilst Andorra lost 0-18 to Switzerland. Armenia does not do well in their away games but are a tough team at home. They lost by only 5 points to Lithuania at home and won well against Switzerland at home. But Andorra is playing away, Armenia has home advantage, a big factor at this level of international rugby.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	173	50	148	18
SERBIA	6	3	0	3	73	133	-60	12
SWITZERLAND	6	2	0	4	79	102	-23	10
ANDORRA	6	2	0	4	95	147	-52	10
ARMENIA	6	2	0	3	105	93	-13	9

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Armenia 27th

Prediction: Armenia has it's back to the wall and will be tough at home. It is reported that Andorra will not be sending their strongest side away. A win to Armenia by 7 points.

Teams are not available.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 27 March

27.03.2010
Romania 48, Spain 3 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Cyprus 15, Bosnia Herzegovina 0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Briefly
Romania proved too strong for Spain. The Romanians blew away my theory that they would be tired and non motivated. The Romanians are certainly one of the form teams in European rugby. They have remained undefeated during the second round of ENC 1 and look a good prospect to sweep all before them in the repecharge playoffs for the final Rugby World Cup Finals berth.

Cyprus will play in ENC 3C for 2010-12. They defeated Bosnia Herzegovina today to earn promotion. The disappointed Bosnians will remain in 3D.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY IN BUCHAREST

27.03.2010
Spain v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Venue: Stadionul Arcul de Triumf

Preview
The Spain-Romania test match is a catch up game that was postponed from February 6 due to a snow covered pitch. Nothing is hinging on this game. Romania only need the point for turning up to move past Portugal and take the vital third place in ENC 1. Romania will then wait 'till May for the result of the Ukraine-Lithuania match, the Playoff for 1st ENC 2A v Best-of-The-rest. Contrary to what I wrote on Friday's post, Romania will play the winner of that match to decide who will play the other repechage team (Asia 2 v Uruguay) later in the year.

Romania's biggest hurdle will be motivation. Having already qualified for the repechages they could be caught off guard by a Spanish side seeking to win two in a row.

Last Five Encounters
07.02.2009 Romania 19-10 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
23.02.2008 Romania 17-11 in Madrid (ENC 1)
10.03.2007 Romania 50-14 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
14.10.2006 Romania 43-20 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
06.03.2004 Romania 50-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
Spain last defeated Romania in 1992. In Madrid they won 6-0.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Romania 7th, Spain 11th

Prediction: Romania, struggling, by 8 points.

Teams

Spain
15 Pedro Martin (Aviron Bayonnais, France)
14 Benjamín Pardo (Vrac Quesos Entrepinares)
13 Juan Cano (CRC Madrid)
12 Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
11 Ignacio Martín (Parma R.C., Italy)
10 Manuel Mazo (CR Ciencias)
9 Hernán Quirelli (CR La Vila)
8 Matthew Cook (C.R. La Vila)
7 Federico Negrillo (Bera Bera R.T)
6 Rafael Camacho (CR Ciencias)
5 Jesús Recuerda (CR Ciencias)
4 Leandro Fernandez.-Aramburu, Capt. (CR Ciencias)
3 Jesús Moreno (Bourdeaux Begles, France)
2 José Mª.Bohorquez (CR Ciencias)
1 Anthony Pradalie (Perigueux, France)
Replacements
16 Marco Pinto (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
17 David Gurgenadze (CRC Madrid)
18 César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid)
19 Carlos Souto (CR El Salvador)
20 Sale Ibarra (CR El Salvador)
21 Iván Criado (CR El Salvador)
22 Ignacio Gutiérrez (Vrac Quesos Entrepinares)
Head Coach: Geoff Glynn

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.com/

Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14. Catalin Fercu (CSU Arad)
13. Ionut Dimofte (Baia Mare)
12. Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
11. Stefan Ciuntu (Baia Mare)
10. Iulian Dumitras (Albi, France)
9. Lucian Sarbu (Somillau, France)
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
7. Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare)
6. Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucuresti)
5. Cristian Petre (AS Beziers, France)
4. Sorin Socol, Capt. (FC Oloronais, France)
3. Dragos Dima (FC Oloronais, France)
2. Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucuresti)
1. Cezar Popescu (Saint Medard en Jalles, France)
Replacements
16. Andrei Radoi (Baia Mare)
17. Mihaita Lazar (Saint Etienne, France)
18. Valentin Ursache (Baia Mare)
19. Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
20. Valentin Ivan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
21. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucuresti)
22. Csaba Gal (Baia Mare)
Head Coach: Serge Lairle

Adapted from http://frr.ro/2010/03/26/schimbari-in-echipa-romaniei-inainte-de-meciul-cu-spania/

TEST RUGBY SHOWDOWN: Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina

27.03.2010
Bosnia Herzegovina v Cyprus in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Referee: Psaromatis (Greece)

Venue: Paphiako Stadium

Preview
Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina will play for the ENC 3D title to determine who will be promoted to ENC 3C for 2010-12. Bosnia Herzegovina were relegated from 3C at the end of the 2008-10 ENC series and will be determined to regain their place. They firstly have to overcome a Cyprus team new to international rugby. Cyprus won the away encounter 8-6, in Zenica back in March 2009, and thus have a 2 point, 1 try advantage over their opponents. That has been the only encounter between these two teams.

Bosnia Herzegovina team that will travel to Cyprus. Image thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Cyprus 38, Bosnia Herzegovina 39th

Prediction: A close game but Cyprus to prevail by 7 points

Action from the first game, played in the snow and cold, in Zenica, March last year. Image thanks to http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Teams

Cyprus Squad
George Agathocleous (Paphos Tigers)
Robert Brown (Moseley Colts, England)
Constantinos Constantinides (Chesham Rugby, England)
Fidias Efthymiou (Paphos Tigers)
Stephan Eleftheriou (Woodford RC, England)
Marcus Holden (Caldy, England)
Christo Kasabi (Saracens Amateurs, England)
Phillipos Kyriacou (Richmond, England)
Matthew Lowe (Paphos Tigers)
Daniel McFarlane (Paphos Tigers)
Lawrence Macrides Chingford RC, England)
Dimitri Maratheftis (Paphos Tigers)
Dino Markou (Solihull RC, England)
Marko Mladenovic (Limassol Crusaders)
Vladlimiri Muhaylon (Paphos Tigers)
Colm O'Cleirgh (Bective Rangers, Ireland)
Luke Steven Panayiotou Peters (North Shore RFC, New Zealand)
Alun Pugh (Paphos Tigers)
George Stylianou (Limassol Crusaders)
Christo Thoma (Paphos Tigers)
Tony Thoma, Capt (Paphos Tigers)
Daniel Thrasivoulou (Derby, England)
Burhan Torgut (Moseley Colts, England)
Andrew Spring (Limassol Crusaders)
Kyriacos Vatikiotis (Manchester, England)
Andreas Zacharia (Lincoln University, England)
Head Coach: Paul Shanks

Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus_national_rugby_union_team, being noted as the squad from v Monaco on.

Bosnia Herzegovina
Ajanović Semir, Ajkunić Jasmin, Bašić Adis, Bešo Latif, Durgut Dženan, Džanić Damir, Glavaš Sinan, Glavaš Selmir, Kapić Albin, Keserović Danijel, Mujić Amir, Mušinović Ermin, Pojskić Edin, Razić Damir, Selimbegović Nermin, Selimspahić Adis, Sinanović Aldijan, Subašić Sabahudin, Šepić Nermin, Šestić Kemal, Tufekčić Sedad, Turčinović Senad & Vidović Željko.
Head Coach: Safet Čerim

http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 27 March

27.03.2010
Spain v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Briefly
The Spain-Romania test match is a catch up game that was postponed from February 6 due to a snow covered pitch. Nothing is hinging on this game. Romania only need the point for turning up to move past Portugal and take the vital third place in ENC 1. Romania will then wait 'till May for the result of the Ukraine-Lithuania match, the Playoff for 1st ENC 2A v Best-of-The-rest. Romania will play the winner of that match to decide the third European team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.

Perhaps Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina are not in the top European bracket of international rugby. No matter. They will play for the ENC 3D title to determine who will be promoted to ENC 3C for 2010-12. Bosnia Herzegovina were relegated from 3C at the end of the 2008-10 ENC series and will be determined to regain their place. They firstly have to overcome a Cyprus team new to international rugby. Cyprus won the away encounter 8-6 and thus have a 2 point, 1 try advantage over their opponents. Of the two matches this is the more interesting game.